00152 - Organic Chemistry II

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of the reactivity of polyfunctionalized carbonyl compounds, aromatic heterocyclic compounds, and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl systems. They will be able to select appropriate protecting-group strategies, understand the principles and applications of oxidation and reduction reactions in organic synthesis, apply organometallic reagents in synthetic methodologies, and explain the reactivity of organic compounds containing phosphorus, sulfur, boron, and silicon. Students will also be able to design and critically discuss synthetic pathways, evaluate alternative synthetic strategies, and analyze the synthesis of organic molecules of moderate structural complexity.

Course contents

Students are expected to have a solid background in Organic Chemistry, including the reactivity of the main functional groups, fundamental principles of stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms.

The course covers the following topics:

1. Review of the use of curved-arrow notation in reaction mechanisms to facilitate the visualization and understanding of organic reactions.
2. Introduction to radical chemistry.
3. Heterocyclic compounds.
4. Functional group interconversions: oxidation and reduction reactions.
5. Reactivity of enolates, enamines, silyl enol ethers, and reactions related to the aldol condensation.
6. Conjugated systems: α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
7. Retrosynthetic analysis and the orthogonality of protecting groups.
8. The role of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and silicon in organic synthesis.

The course also includes problem-solving sessions and examination preparation.

Readings/Bibliography

J. Clayden, N. Greeves, and S. Warren
Organic Chemistry, 2nd Edition
Oxford University Press, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-19-927029-3

Teaching methods

Teaching is delivered through traditional lectures supported by multimedia presentations and blackboard discussions. Lecture slides, solved exercises, and additional teaching materials are available through the University of Bologna’s online learning platform. The platform also provides past examination papers together with model solutions to support students in their exam preparation. Access to these materials is restricted to students officially enrolled in the degree programme.

Language of instruction: Italian.

Language of lecture slides: English.

Assessment methods

The final assessment is designed to evaluate the achievement of the intended learning outcomes, with particular emphasis on students’ ability to:

• critically evaluate and design synthetic strategies;
• independently assess alternative synthetic pathways;
• interpret experimental reaction conditions in relation to the desired synthetic objective;
• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of modern synthetic organic chemistry.

Assessment consists of a final oral examination.

The examination grade, or the student’s decision to decline the proposed grade, must be formally recorded within five days of the publication of the examination results.

Students must register for the examination through the University’s online examination system (“AlmaEsami”) within the published deadlines.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University’s Disability and SLD Support Office well in advance. Appropriate accommodations may be arranged, subject to approval by the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination and provided that they remain consistent with the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Bencivenni